The Ref: He's Taken Them Hostage. They're Driving Him Nuts.
It's true. The Ref is my favorite Christmas movie. Now, be warned, you have to be a fan of smart, talky movies (think of comedies from the thirties and forties). The uniting of Judy Davis, Denis Leary, and Kevin Spacey was inspired, and Christine Baranski and Glynis Johns provide extra pith to an already pith-laden production.
Now you know, of course, that whenever you get Kevin Spacey and Denis Leary in one film there's going to a lot of talking and a lot of ranting, and the rants are truly delicious, topped off with Spacey's line: "The corpse has the floor!"
Judy Davis more than holds her own with Spacey and Leary, and B. D. Wong is delightful as the overwhelmed psychotherapist. As everyone gets a number in a musical, everyone gets a rant in The Ref, reminding us again of why two people argue: because they're both right.
Give yourself a treat and don't wait for Christmas to watch this one. However, if the "eff" word offends you, don't watch this movie.
Note: The videos used to illustrate this movie contain bad language. Please do not play them if this offends you.
The Ref: The DVD Review
Caroline (Judy Davis) and her husband, Lloyd (Kevin Spacey), have been at each other's throats for so long that they've developed domestic arguments into an art form, and the would-be kidnapper turns into a reluctant mediator, even after he's got the battling couple wound up in bungee cords. The situation grows even more complicated when the couple's smart-aleck son comes home from military school, but it's not the plot here that's a top priority. Instead it's the sheer pleasure of witnessing a three-way verbal jousting match, written with razor-sharp skill and delivered by actors who are perfect for their roles.
The movie's got a dark edge, but it never gets too dark--you know that it's not going to slide into more seriously damaging territory, so you can sit back and enjoy the volleys of scathing insults and sarcasm the way you would a Don Rickles performance. If that sounds like your idea of entertainment, The Ref will serve it up with style.
Scene One From The Ref
The Ref With Kevin Spacey
the ref
Denis Leary: His Story
Denis Leary Biography
Denis Colin Leary (born August 18, 1957) is a Golden Globe- and Emmy Award-nominated American actor, comedian, writer and director. He is known for his often angry comedic style, and his frequent chain smoking. Leary displays an overt affinity for libertarianism. Leary is currently the star and co-creator of the television show Rescue Me.
Quotes From "The Ref"
I have a gun, it's loaded, shut up.
Kevin Spacey: His Story
Kevin Spacey Biography
Kevin Spacey Fowler (born July 26, 1959) is an American actor and film director. He grew up in California, and began his career as a stage actor during the 1980s, before being cast in supporting roles in film and television. He gained critical acclaim in the early 1990s, culminating in his first Oscar for The Usual Suspects (Supporting), followed by a Best Actor Oscar win for American Beauty (1999). He has starred in many other Hollywood films including Se7en, L.A. Confidential, Pay It Forward, and Superman Returns. Since 2003, he has been artistic director of the Old Vic theatre in London.
Scene Two From The Ref
More From The Ref With Denis Leary
the ref
Vote the Quote
Great Deals on The Ref DVD
Find The Ref Bargains
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byQuotes From "The Ref"
You know what I'm going to get you next Christmas, Mom?
A big wooden cross, so that every time you feel unappreciated for your sacrifices, you can climb on up and nail yourself to it.
Judy Davis: Her Story
Judy Davis Biography
Judy Davis (born 23 April 1955) is an Academy Award-nominated, Screen Actors Guild Award, three-time Emmy Award, two-time BAFTA Award and two-time Golden Globe Award-winning Australian actress.
Scene Three From The Ref
I Just Beat Up Santa Claus...
The Ref - "I just beat up Santa Claus..."
Have You Seen "The Ref"?
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What Are Your Thoughts About the movie The Ref?
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RichLeigh
I'm not too sure this would be one for me but I definitely enjoyed the lens anyway! Posted August 17, 2008 |
